Did you originally buy your teak furniture for its beautiful golden color? If you weren’t prepared, you may have been frustrated when the honey-brown finish turned into a dull, gray shade.
Many people appreciate this classic grey color, but if you really don’t prefer it, or if your outdoor furniture has just gotten too dirty and weathered over the years outdoors, you can usually give it a good reboot with a bit of know-how and elbow grease.
Since all of my wood patio furniture is teak, I’ve spent many hours researching how to restore outdoor teak furniture, and have learned a lot about caring for teak over the years. Now, I regularly maintain my furniture, and I’m so glad I do, because performing a full restoration is more work than I want to do on a regular basis.
You can absolutely bring back the natural golden teak color of your furniture by cleaning, sanding, and sealing it, but this is a project.
Just keep in mind that if your furniture uses teak veneer and not solid pieces of teak, you can only sand it down a limited number of times before wearing away the veneer and revealing whatever base wood may be underneath.
Sanding teak furniture seems simple enough, but it does take some work and is possible to mess up. In this article, I will share some tips to make the task easier. I will also explain some other methods that restore teak wood furniture to its original color, so you can decide which will work best for you.
What Are the Properties of Teak?
Before jumping into the restoration methods, we would first like to discuss why teak turns gray. So, we will also briefly touch on the properties of this hardwood.
Teak contains natural oils that resist moisture, sunlight, and weathering. Unlike other types of wood furniture, it can withstand outdoor use for several years.
Teak timber also produces durable resin. It can repel most insects and termites to prevent irreparable damage.
Plus, teak has a tough surface with a Janka hardness rating of around 1,155 lbf (pound-force). That means the wood does not easily bend or crack over time.
What Makes Outdoor Teak Furniture Popular?
Teak is among the most sought-after materials for outdoor furniture, and for good reasons.
It features a golden brown shade with a distinct straight-grain pattern. This design can beautify your outdoor space. It can also complement existing patio furniture.
Moreover, the naturally occurring oils in teak furniture can protect it from moisture damage and rot. They also deliver a shiny finish that enhances the natural beauty of teak.
And since it is a dense hardwood, it is less likely to bend or warp over time. The teak furniture can easily withstand various weather conditions.
All these features contribute to the popularity of teak outdoor teak furniture.
Why Does Teak Furniture Weather and Turn Gray?
By now, you might be curious why teak pieces turn gray despite their protective features.
Well, teak ages like any other hardwood. As it gets old, it loses its natural wood oils. In turn, the teak surface becomes dull and faded.
Teak wood also goes through a weathering process when exposed to the elements, such as UV rays and wind. During this time, the outdoor furniture starts to become silver or gray. This graying is known as a patina.
Many homeowners like the silver-gray patina on teak furniture because it adds a rustic look to their outdoor space. It is ideal if you want a timeless look in your backyard or patio. Plus, the patina has little to no effect on the durability of the wooden furniture.
However, other users may find the weathered teak furniture less attractive than a brown wood tone, so they want to restore the original golden shade of teak.
This article will show you exactly how to bring back the natural brown color through sanding and refinishing.
How to Restore Outdoor Teak Furniture?
Restoring weathered teak furniture is relatively straightforward. Follow the tips below to achieve a new-looking teak wood piece.
Prepare the Right Equipment and Working Area
Before you do anything else, it is recommended to prepare the right tools and equipment pieces. These can help you perform the teak restoration job the correct way.
Ready the following items. Store the small items in a bag or basket for your convenience.
- Sandpaper in different grits
- Electric sander (the exact type and model depends on your preference)
- Sanding disks with 80 and 150-grit
- Teak cleaner, mild soap, or dishwashing liquid
- Teak protector
- Garden hose with standard spray attachment (it’s best to avoid high pressure washing for teak)
- Soft-bristle brush
- Clean sponges
- Microfiber or lint-free cloth
- Rubber gloves and other protective equipment, such as goggles
In addition to these materials, you might also want to prepare the working area.
Restoring teak furniture outside is best to prevent accidental spills on indoor floors. Work in the backyard or the garage if possible. Avoid getting near the grass because teak restoration involves chemicals that harm the turf.
Clean the Outdoor Teak Furniture
Once you have prepared everything you will need, it is time to clean the outdoor teak furniture.
Start by brushing away visible dust and dirt on the surface.
Next, use a dedicated teak cleaner to remove stubborn debris and stains. If you do not own one, you can mix mild soap or dishwashing liquid and water in a bottle. Pour the cleaning solution onto a clean sponge. Then, proceed to wipe the furniture.
Make sure to follow the direction of the wood grain when you are cleaning. Doing so prevents unnecessary damage to the outdoor teak furniture.
I also recommend starting from the bottom before working your way up. This way, you can avoid leaving unwanted streaks on the teak surface.
If you are confident you have removed all the debris, use a garden hose to rinse the furniture. Wash the entire area to prevent soapy residue. The last thing you want is to attract mold and mildew.
Do not forget to leave your outdoor teak furniture to dry completely. Place it in an area with direct sunlight during parts of the day. Avoid using or storing your wooden furniture if it is still wet.
Avoid Pressure Washing Teak
In my experience, pressure washing teak can cause some damage especially if it’s teak veneer. Even if you’re just using water, the pressure washer shoots the water so hard that it removes some of the teak wood fibers and makes it feel rougher and it doesn’t seal as well. Stick with soap and water, and if needed, a bit of sanding.
Sand the Rough Areas
After cleaning the weathered teak furniture, you can remove the rough and gray areas.
Grab 80-grit sandpaper to scrape away the outer wooden layer slowly. Follow the direction of the wood grain when sanding to ensure a level surface. Continue polishing the wood until it is slightly smooth to your touch.
Depending on the shape and size of your furniture, you can use an electric sander. This handy tool will make the sanding task easier and faster. It is ideal for large teak pieces, such as tables, chairs, and benches.
There are different types of power sanders available to you. Each one has its pros and cons. So, choosing the right product for your needs is up to you. But we recommend using a random orbital sander. It is easy to use and ideal for refinishing teak wood surfaces.
All you need to do is attach the sanding disk (this is different from sandpaper) to the teak furniture and turn on the sander. Move this piece of equipment across your outdoor teak table or chair. Keep the power sander running until the surface is smooth.
Remember to sand the edges of the teak table or chair. You will not need your power sander for this task. Instead, use 150-grit sandpaper to target hard-to-reach areas. Manually scrub the corners of the furniture until the gray patina is gone.
Remove Sanding Residue
After removing the outer layer of weathered teak wood, you will notice sanding residue all over the work area. It is essential to get rid of these remnants before proceeding to the next step of teak restoration.
You can use a soft-bristled brush or a dry microfiber cloth to get rid of sawdust and other particles. Gently wipe them off the teak outdoor furniture.
Dampen a clean sponge if you encounter particularly stubborn sanding dust. Leave the wood to dry completely prior to the next step.
Use a Teak Sealer to Protect the Wood
After ensuring the teak outdoor furniture is sanded and free of debris, it is time to seal the wood. Doing so can help lock in the natural protective oils of teak wood. As previously stated, these pure wood oils resist moisture, UV light, and other elements to slow the weathering process. In turn, using a teak sealer can preserve the teak wood’s natural color.
You can find a teak protector or sealer on most home improvement stores and e-commerce sites like Amazon. Check the ingredients list.
Avoid products that contain teak oil because it does not come from true teak wood, despite its name. In reality, teak oil uses low-quality lubricants and chemical additives. These substances can actually remove the natural oils in teak wood, leading to irreparable cracks and splits.
Once you have reviewed the ingredients, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for proper application. In most cases, you will need a sponge or brush to apply the teak sealer evenly. You must also cover every surface and corner of the teak furniture. Then, wipe off excess product with a clean cloth.
Allow the treated area to dry completely. The exact drying time depends on how large your furniture is and how thick the sealant is. In general, waiting 24 hours is best.
Once the teak furniture is dry, you can apply the second coating of the teak protector. Do not forget to remove excess product. Finally, leave the teak sealer to dry before using your wooden furniture as intended.
If you feel overwhelmed reading through these refinishing steps, consider hiring a professional. Applying sealant for the first time can be difficult, and you are prone to making mistakes. When you seek professional services, you can rely on their years of expertise. They know how to seal the wood and restore your outdoor teak furniture properly.
Repeat the Steps When Needed
It is essential to repeat the restoration process and general maintenance as often as needed. The reason is your teak outdoor furniture is constantly exposed to rain, sun, and other harsh elements. These conditions can wear down teak wood and leave it susceptible to patina, no matter how durable.
If you leave your furniture alone without proper maintenance, you also risk damaging the wooden surface. You will encounter mold, mildew, cracks, and rot on top of discoloration. These issues are difficult to resolve on your own once they settle on your teak furniture.
So, do not neglect your outdoor wood furniture. Regularly maintain and care for your prized teak piece to extend its lifespan. You can also ensure that it will look beautiful for several years to come.
As previously mentioned, if you are uncomfortable restoring your teak furniture, you can hire a professional. Look for a company that specializes in wood furniture restoration for your convenience. Note that you will need to shell out a large amount of money for these types of services.
Frequently Asked Questions
When to restore outdoor furniture?
There is no wrong time to restore your outdoor furniture. In fact, the more frequently you clean and maintain the teak wood, the better.
You can perform a maintenance routine during springtime. Doing it in the winter or fall means it is either too cold or wet for the wood to dry properly. If you start cleaning in spring, you can enjoy beautiful teak furniture throughout the summer season.
But if you have recently purchased a secondhand teak patio set, do not wait for the ideal season. You will want to clean and refinish the wooden tables and chairs as soon as possible. You can follow the steps above to restore your outdoor furniture. Do you want to be amazed by the change afterward? Snap some photos of the weathered patio set and compare them with the newly restored furniture.
How long does it take for teak wood to turn gray?
Teak wood furniture does not stay golden brown forever. It eventually fades to a silver-gray patina due to old age and the natural weathering process.
The exact time it takes for teak furniture to discolor can depend on two primary factors. These include how much exposure the wood gets from sunlight and rain.
You can expect the teak wood to fade faster if it is constantly exposed to outdoor elements. But if you keep it covered in a properly ventilated area, you can ensure it will take longer to discolor. In general, you can anticipate outdoor teak furniture to start turning gray within six to 12 months.
Can I use paint or stain on my teak wood furniture?
We do not recommend painting your teak outdoor furniture. Paint can hide the natural beauty of the hardwood. It can also penetrate the seal coating, which eventually causes cracking, flaking, and peeling.
On the other hand, wood stains can be beneficial as long as you apply them properly. They come in two main types—oil-based and water-based stains. The former offers better protective features and tends to be longer-lasting. Meanwhile, the latter is more eco-friendly with a vibrant look. Choosing between the two ultimately depends on your needs and preference.
Is vinegar good for cleaning teak furniture?
In most cases, soap and water are enough to remove debris from your teak furniture. But for instances where you encounter stubborn stains, you can use vinegar for deep cleaning.
Simply combine one part of white vinegar and three part of water in a bottle. Next, apply the cleaning mixture to the wooden surface with a soft brush or cloth. Then, thoroughly scrub off dirt and dust. Finally, do not forget to rinse the furniture using clean water. Leave it to dry for several hours before using.
Overall, vinegar is safe and excellent to use on teak outdoor furniture.
How do you maintain weathered teak furniture?
Although most homeowners like to keep the natural teak shade, other people prefer the silver-gray patina. There are many reasons behind this seemingly peculiar decision. For one, the unique color introduces a rustic look to your outdoor space.
No matter the reason, weathered gray teak requires a different care method than golden teak.
You will find that a quick wash with soap is enough to take care of the weathered teak. Remember to rinse and dry the teak wood before usage.
There is also no need to use vinegar, bleach, and other strong cleaning solutions. If you do, you will eventually reveal the new wood layer underneath.
As for the cleaning frequency, you can leave gray teak furniture without washing it for three to four months. You do not have to worry much about dirt and dust unless you encounter black spots. These unsightly marks are likely to be mold and mildew growth. Remove these stains at once to prevent rot.
Conclusion
Teak wood furniture is prized for its durability and golden-brown color. However, this shade can turn into a silver-gray patina due to weathering.
You can easily restore teak outdoor furniture to its natural look by sanding the surface. You can also follow other refinishing tips above, so you can enjoy beautiful teak for years to come.
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